Tackle box

ABSTRACT

A spring urged device automatically opens the top, when the front latch is released from a pair of depending hooks having multiple notches. The latch has slides, with a coil spring between for automatically latching, when the top is closed. A series of trays in normally stacked position are enclosed by the top, when closed. The trays are moved to a separated, elevated position by a linkage arrangement at each end which permits the top to be opened to a generally upright position, without unstacking the trays, thereby permitting access to the top tray. Upon opening the lid the remainder of the way, all three trays are automatically unstacked into an easily accessible display position. Parallel links for connecting the trays with the bottom and with each other include a connecting link having a pair of spaced pins which engage a pair of slots in an actuating link pivoted to a depending boss of the top. Both slots extend longitudinally of the actuating link, but one slot has a perpendicular portion at one end and an oppositely disposed, curved portion at the opposite end, so that the links connected to the trays will not be moved until the top is moved from upright to rear position. The top and bottom shells have lateral outside reinforcing ribs, that of the lower shell being spaced from the upper edge by an upright flange to which the latch is attached. The detent is mounted inside the front of the upper shell, while a pair of latching hooks are connected by a base embedded in the upper shell. The trays have reinforcing flanges around the upper edges, with notches on the outside engaged by an inside projection of a hook of a lateral partition, which hook is wider than the reinforcing flange which extends around the web of the partition. The top reinforcing flange is formed in a zigzag manner, to provide notches or serrations on opposite sides, for engagement by similar hooks of generally shorter and generally similar, longitudinal partitions. The handle is positioned in a well and is held in flat position, until pulled up, by a spring strip which extends through slots in the ends of the well. Clips which are attached to the strip prevent the ends of the strip from being pulled through the slots. The handle may be formed of a plastic and the ends of the handle used to seal the slots.

United States Patent Tim M. Uyeda South San Gabriel, CaliL; Marvin M.King, Denver, Colo. [21] Appl. No. 853,335

[72] Inventors [22] Filed Aug. 27, 1969 [45] Patented Oct. 12, 1971 [73]Assignee Samsonite Corporation Denver, Colo.

[54] TACKLE BOX 18 Claims, 33 Drawing Figs.

52 us. Cl 312 272,

206/16, 292/292, 312/269, 312/222 [51] Int. Cl A47b 51/00 [50] Field ofSearch .l 312/266,

Primary Examiner.lames T. McCall Attorney-Van Valkenburgh and LoweABSTRACT: A spring urged device automatically opens the top, when thefront latch is released from a pair of depending hooks having multiplenotches. The latch has slides, with a coil spring between forautomatically latching, when the top is closed. A series of trays innormally stacked position are enclosed by the top, when closed. Thetrays are moved to a separated, elevated position by a linkagearrangement at each end which permits the top to be opened to agenerally upright position, without unstacking the trays, therebypermitting access to the top tray. Upon opening the lid the remainder ofthe way, all three trays are automatically unstacked into an easilyaccessible display position. Parallel links for connecting the trayswith the bottom and with each other include a connecting link having apair of spaced pins which engage a pair of slots in an actuating linkpivoted to a depending boss of the top. Both slots extend longitudinallyof the actuating link, but one slot has a perpendicular portion at oneend and an oppositely disposed, curved portion at the opposite end, sothat the links connected to the trays will not be moved until the top ismoved from upright to rear position. The top and bottom shells havelateral outside reinforcing ribs, that of the lower shell being spacedfrom the upper edge by an upright flange to which the latch is attached.The detent is mounted inside the front of the upper shell, while a pairof latching hooks are connected by a base embedded in the upper shell.The trays have reinforcing flanges around the upper edges, with notcheson the outside engaged by an inside projection of a hook of a lateralpartition, which hook is wider than the reinforcing flange which extendsaround the web of the partition. The top reinforcing flange is formed ina zigzag manner, to provide notches or serrations on opposite sides, forengagement by similar hooks of generally shorter and generally similar,longitudinal partitions. The handle is positioned in a well and is heldin flat position, until pulled up, by a spring strip which extendsthrough slots in the ends of the well. Clips which are attached to thestrip prevent the ends of the strip from being pulled through the slots.The handle may be formed of a plastic and the ends of the handle used toseal the slots.

PATENTEDum 12 197i SHEET 10F 7 INVIz'N'I )RS Tim M. Uvedp Marv/n M. KingV414. MW "51 ATTORNEYS PATENTEDum 12 19" 3,612,623 5 saw 2 UF 7 mvmmusTim M. Uyeda Marv/n M. King A TTORNEYS PATENTfinucHzlsm 3,612,635

SHEET 8 [IF 7 us "1 mm 0 INVEN'I'URS Tim M. U edp BY Marv/n King ATTORNE Y8 PATENTEDHBU 2 ml SHEET 7 0F 7 I0 I25 I23 I23 I23 I25 I24INVEN'I'URS Tim M. Uyeda Y Marvin M, Ki

A TTORNEYS TACKLE BOX This invention relates to containers, such astackle boxes, particularly adapted to contain fishing equipment and thelike.

Many fishermen use containers originally designed as toolboxes forcontaining fishing equipment, but these usually require two hands toopen and close. Since a fisherman using a tackle box normally wishes toretain the fly rod or casting rod in one hand, while searching for andobtaining a different fly or lure or other type of fishing equipment, itis highly desirable that a tackle box be adapted to be opened and closedby the use of one hand only. Also, it often happens that, if only a flyor lure is to be changed, limited access to the tackle box is all thatis necessary. Ordinary toolboxes having trays in which smaller items canbe placed usually require the tray to be lifted out by hand, or if thetop is connected to the tray, the ordinarily be elevated to a positionout of the box before access to the tray is secured. The usual type oflatch which requires the top or lid first to be closed, then the latchsecured, again means that the fisherman must place on the ground orstand against a tree or the like a rod which he is carrying. Sincefishing equipment varies in size and the number of articles of aparticular size of tools and the like is different, toolbox traycompartmentation is normally very unsatisfactory for use in holdingfishing tackle. Special containers have been designed for use as tackleboxes, but these usually follow along the lines of conventionaltoolboxes.

Among the objects of this invention are to provide a novel tackle box;to provide such a tackle box in which a plurality of trays may be used;to provide such a tackle box which will permit access to a tray withoutrequiring the box to be completely opened; to provide such a tackle boxwhich may be opened with one hand; to provide such a tackle box with aretractable handle and flush hardware for convenience of storage in thehome, auto, stores and for packaging; to provide such a tackle box whichautomatically opens when the latch is released; to provide such a tacklebox in which access to a plurality of trays, as well as additionalequipment contained in the bottom of the box is readily obtained; toprovide such a tackle box which can be effectively closed by one hand;to provide such a tackle box which can be carried about, even though notcompletely closed, without the danger of the tackle box falling open andthe contents spilling out; to provide such a tackle box in which anydesired arrangement of the compartments of the trays may be made; toprovide such a tackle box which includes novel partitions, for effectingsuch compartmentation; to provide such a tackle box in which theoperations of opening and closing are simple and effective; to providesuch a tackle box in which a latch which may be opened with one hand isassociated with a device for automatically opening the top or lid, whenthe latch is released; to provide such a tackle box where all threetrays are automatically unstacked into an accessible position uponopening the lid; to provide such a tackle box in which the handle ismounted in a wall in the top of the box and the handle has a stripextending through slots at the ends of the well; to provide such atackle box having such a handle and well in which the ends of the handlebody tend to seal the slots when the handle is in retracted position;and to provide such a tackle box which will be sturdy in constructionand will stand the rigors of rough useage.

The foregoing and additional objects and the novel features of thisinvention will become apparent from the description which follows, takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tackle box constructed in accordancewith this invention, in closed position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tackle box of FIG. 1, with the lidmoved to a substantially upright position for access to an upper tray;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tackle box of FIG. 1, with the lidmoved to a rear or approximately 180 position for access to all of thetrays and also the interior of the box below the trays;

FIG. 4 is an opposite end view of the tackle boxof FIG. I, on a slightlyenlarged scale and broken away to show certain parts in the interiorthereof;

FIG. 5 is an opposite end view of the tackle box, in the position ofFIG. 3 but on a slightly enlarged scale;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a lower shell of the tackle box of FIG. 1,on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 7 is a vertical transverse section, taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary vertical section, taken along line 8- 8 of FIG.6 on a further enlarged scale;

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view, on an enlarged scale, of an upper shell ofthe tackle box of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the upper shell of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an offset vertical section, taken along line 11-11 of FIG.10;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary elevation, on an enlarged scale, taken from theinside of the upper shell at the position of line 12-12 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a front elevation, on an enlarged scale, of a catch or hookassembly, a portion of which is embedded in the top shell;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view, on an enlarged scale, of a pop up devicewhich is mounted on the upper shell or lid and causes the lid to beautomatically raised when the latch is released;

FIG. 15 is a side elevation of the detent of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a central longitudinal section of the pop up device, takenalong line 16-16 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a side elevation, on an enlarged scale, of an adjustablelateral partition which is also shown installed in a tray of FIG. 3;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary top plan view of one end of the partition ofFIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a condensed front view of a tray of the tackle box of FIG. 1;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary top plan view, on an enlarg scale, of a portionof the front upper edge of the tray of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary vertical section, on an enlarged scale, takenalong line 21-21 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 22 is a side elevation, on an enlarged scale, of a transversepartition or divider which is also shown installed in a tray of FIG. 3;

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary vertical section, taken along line 23-23 ofFIG. 3, on an enlarged scale and showing the attachment of one end of atransverse divider of FIG. 19 to a partition of FIG. 17;

FIG. 24 is an inside view, on an enlarged scale, of a latch shown ininitial engagement with a pair of catches or hooks which depend from thelid;

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the parts of the latch;

FIG. 26 is a front elevation of a slide forming a part of the latch; 1

FIG. 27 is a top plan view of the slide;

FIG. 28 is a fragmentary vertical section, on an enlarged scale andtaken along line 28-28 of FIG. 1, at one edge of a handle well;

FIG. 29 is a fragmentary vertical section, on a further enlarged scaleand taken along line 29-29 of FIG. I, at the center of and at one end ofthe handle;

FIG. 30 is a fragmentary transverse section, taken along line 30-30 ofFIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a condensed top plan view of a handle assembly, comprising aspring strip which is embedded in the handle but extends from each endthereof;

FIG. 32 is an end view of the handle assembly of FIG. 31; and 7 FIG. 33is a transverse section taken along line 33-33 of FIG. 31.

A tackle box constructed in accordance with this invention, asillustrated in FIGS. l-3, includes a bottom or base section B and atopsection T which are hinged together at the rear, as

in a manner described below, and latched together at the front, when inclosed position, by a drawbolt or latch L which is mounted on the bottomsection at the front. In closed position, latch L engages a hookassembly I-I mounted on the top section. The latch L is constructed sothat it may be opened by the use of one hand only, as described later,and when the latch L is released, a popup device D causes the top shellto pop up, so that the top shell will move upwardly to the position ofFIG. 2. The top section T, when in closed position, encloses a series oftrays, such as an upper tray U, an intermediate tray I and a lower tray0. When latch L is released, access to the contents of the upper tray Uis permitted, when the upper section is moved through approximately 90to the upright position of FIG. 2, but without moving the trays from thenormal stacked position. The trays and sections are connected togetherby a linkage assembly which includes an actuating link A, a connectinglink C, a parallel link P, a font link F and a rear link R. This linkageassembly-at each side of the trays, is constructed and arranged,including interconnection between the trays and the respective sections,so that all of the links, except the actuating link A, will remain inthe nested position of FIG. 2 until the top section T is moved from theapproximately upright position of FIG. 2 to the rear position of FIG. 3,and the trays will be elevated and separated, as shown, during suchmovement. This permits access to the contents of both the intermediateand lower trays, as well as to the contents of the bottom section B. Thetop section T preferably has sufficient height to enclose the trays,when in the stacked position of FIG. 2, so that when articles are placedin the bottom section B, with the trays in elevated position, as in FIG.3, the user may fill the bottom section B to approximately the upperedge thereof, without the lower tray disturbing the arrangement, whenthe tackle box is closed. In addition to the popup device D and thecooperation of the latch L with the hook assembly H, which are describedlater, other features of this invention include removable dividers orpartitions in the trays, which will also be described later.

The tackle box may be carried by a handle which is located within a well11 in the top 12 of a shell of the top section T, being resilientlymounted, as by a leaf spring embedded in and extending from each endthereof, or associated with springs of a suitable type at each end, soas to be held flat within the well 11, when released, thereby permittingother articles to be stacked on top of the tackle box withoutinterference by the handle.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, each actuating link A is pivotally attached,as by 139 141 14, 147 155 152 15 which depends from a shell of the topsection T, while the connecting link C and the front link F arepivotally attached at spaced positions, as by pins 16, to the base orbottom shell. The opposite end of front link E, the center of connectinglink C and the lower end of parallel link P are pivotally connected atspaced positions lower as by pins 17, to the tray 0, while the upper endof connecting link C, the center of parallel link P and the lower end ofrear link R are pivotally connected, as by pins 18, to the intermediatetray I and the upper ends of links P and R are pivotally connected, asby spaced pins 19, to the upper tray U. Each connecting link C is alsoprovided with a pair of outwardly extending pins and 21, which arespaced between the pins 17 and 18 for that link, with pin 20 engaging alongitudinal slot 22 and pin 21 engaging an offset slot 23, theprincipal portion of which extends generally longitudinally of theactuating link A, but a front portion 24 of which extends downwardly andperpendicularly to the principal portion of the slot, with a convexbevel 25 at the comer, and a rear portion 26 of which is curved, such asshown, for a purpose described below. The length of the trays ispreferably less than the width of the inside of the bottom and topshells, with each of the links A, C and F being provided with an outwardoffset 27 at the bottom, the lower ends of links P and R being providedwith a similar outward offset 28 at the bottom, links C and P beingprovided with a generally central, inward offset 29 just below therespective pin 17, and each of the links F, C, P

and R being provided with an inward offset 30 adjacent the upper end,just below the respective pin l6, "and 18, all for clearance purposes.The offsets of the links connected to the trays permit the links to movefreely with respect to the trays, during movement from the position ofFIG. 4 to that of FIG. 5, and vice versa. Each tray may be provided witha reinforcing boss 31 at the position of connection of pins 16, 17 and18, a reinforcing flange 32 around the upper edge and an abutment block33 which engages the respective links as they move past, to maintain thetrays in lateral alignment during movement. Each tray has an inclinedfront wall 34 to provide visibility and accessibility to lower trays andalso to facilitate removal of small articles in the trays. Otherwise,the trays are generally rectangular, with rounded corners, and may bemolded from a suitable plastic, such as polypropylene. The links arepreferably stamped from metal, such as steel and provided with asuitable finish, as by plating, or stainless steel.

The operation of the linkage arrangement is as follows: When the top Tis closed, the links are in the collapsed position of FIG. 4, with pin20 of the connector link C in the rear end of longitudinal slot 22 ofactuating link A, and pin 21 on link C in the upper end of the curvedrear portion 26 of slot 23 in link A. When top T begins to move upwardlyabout a hinge pin 35 of FIG. 4 as a pivot, the pin 14 for the lower endof the actuating link A will also move upwardly in an are about hingepin 35. During the initial portion of such movement, i.e. until pin 14moves into alignment between pin 20 and hinge pin 35, slot 22 will moverearwardly a short distance relative to pin 20, but pin 21 will move tothe lower end of the curved rear portion 26 of slot 23. As pin 14 movesfurther upwardly, slots 22 and 23 will then move along pins 20 and 21,respectively, until with the top T in the substantially upright positionof FIG. 2, pin 20 will have reached the front end of slot 22 and pin 21will have reached the bevel 25 of slot 23, as shown in FIG. 2. Since thecenter of gravity of top T will have moved to a position rearwardly ofthe hinge pins 35, the top T will be held in this position, with theweight of the trays and the connection of the actuating link A theretopreventing top T from moving further rearwardly. Thus, in this position,access to the contents of the top tray U is permitted. When used forfishing purposes, the flies and other parts which are most commonlyrequired to be readily accessible by the fisherman should be placed inthe top tray U. Further rearward movement of the top T, through theengagement of pin 20 with the front end of slot 22 and engagement of pin21 with portion 24 of slot 23, will cause connecting link C to pivotupwardly, as the actuating link A moves rearwardly. Since the links Fand C are connected in a parallelogram arrangement, between the bottom Band the lower tray 0, while links C and P are connected in aparallelogram arrangement between the lower tray 0 and intermediate trayI, while the links P and R are connected in a parallelogram arrangementbetween the intermediate tray I and upper tray U, the trays will bemaintained parallel to each other. As the top shell T is moved furtherrearwardly, the pin 21 will move from bevel 25 to the lower end of theperpendicular portion 24 of slot 23. When the top T is moved upwardly tostart the closing operation, the perpendicular portion 24 of slot 23will push against pin 21 to move the connecting link C forwardly andstart the trays toward collapsed position. As the top T is moved furtherupwardly, the pin 20 will be retracted from and then moved back to itsfront end position in slot 22, while pin 21 will move along theperpendicular portion 24 of slot 23 until it reaches bevel 25. Duringthe remainder of the upward movement of top T, after the links haveachieved an upright position and start to move forwardly, the weight ofthe trays and the contents thereof will cause the trays to movedownwardly by gravity, with the pin 21 moving forwardly in slot 23, butthe movement is restrained by engagement of pin 20 with the frontportion 26 of slot 23. When the generally upright position of the top Tof FIG. 2 is reached, the links F, C, P and R will be folded to closedposition and the trays will be in the stacked position of FIGS. 2 and 4.When the top T is closed from the position of FIG. 2, a movement ofactuating link A, reverse to that described above, will occur. Thus, theslot 22 will move forwardly along pin 20, while slot 23 will moveforwardly along pin 21 until pins 14 and 20 are in alignment with thehinge pins 35, whereupon further closing movement of the top T willcause the curved rear portion 26 of slot 23 to move downwardly along pin21. Of course, each movement of the slots along pins 20 and 21 willoccur simultaneously, so that the position of FIG. 4 can be reached whenthe top T is folded closed. It will be noted that the tackle box of thisinvention provides for attachment of the hook assembly H to the latch Lbefore the top T is completely closed, as will be described later.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, a bottom shell for the bottom section B isprovided with a bottom 37, end walls 38, a front wall 39 and a rear wall40, each of the latter tapering upwardly and outwardly from the bottomwall and being connected together and to the bottom wall by curvedcorners, as shown. A lateral reinforcing rib 41 extends outwardly fromeach of the end, from and rear walls, with an upright flange 42surrounding the same. If desired, a decorative strip 43 of FIGS. 1-3 maybe secured, as by a suitable adhesive, to the outside of upright flange42. Each of rib 41 and flange 42 may be continuous around the peripheryof the bottom shell, following the contour of the rounded cornersbetween the end walls and the front and rear walls, respectively. At thecenter of front wall 39, an upwardly flaring block 44 may extendinwardly into the interior of the box, for engagement with the popupdevice D, in a manner described later. The front wall may also beprovided with a pair of spaced, reinforcing bosses 45, at the positionof attachment of latch L on the outside of flange 42, while a shallownotch 46 may be provided in the top of flange 42, at the position of thelatch. The end walls 38 may be reinforced by inwardly extending bosses47, at the position of each link pin 16, while the rear wall may beprovided with a series of hinge ears 48 which upstand, as in FIG. 8,from the lateral rib 41 and are each connected to the flange 42 by a web49. Hinge pins 35 extend through holes 50 in the hinge ears 48 and alsothrough similar holes in corresponding hinge ears of the top shell. Thehinge cars 48 may, of course, be provided in two series of three each,as shown, although the hinge cars 48 may be spaced completely across therear of the tackle box, or in any other suitable arrangement. The bottomshell 13, as well as the top shell T, may be molded from a suitableplastic material, such as an acrylonitirile butadiene styrene copolymer.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, the top shell of the top section T, inaddition to the well 11 in top 12, is provided with end walls 52, afront wall 53 and a rear wall 54, these walls flaring outwardly andbeing connected to each other and to the top by rounded corners, asshown. A reinforcing lateral rib 55 extends outwardly from the end,front and rear walls adjacent the lower edges of the same, with a groove56 extending around the lower inside edge of rib 55, except above theposition of latch L, for engagement with the upper edge of uprightflange 42 to provide a better seal when the tackle box is closed and tomaintain the shells in registration during use. The well 11 extendsdownwardly from the top, as in FIG. 11, while the underside of top 12may be reinforced by a pair of longitudinally extending ribs 57 at eachend of well 11, as in FIG. 9. The top shell is also provided with twoseries of integral hinge cars 58, spaced to interfit with the hinge earsof the bottom shell and to receive a hinge pin 35. Hook assembly Hincludes a base 60, embedded in the top shell, as in FIG. 11, anddisposed angularly to a pair of hooks 61, each of which is provided onthe inside, as in FIGS. 12 and 13, with a pair of notches 62 and 63 forcoaction with latch L, as in the manner described below. The top shellis also provided, on the inside and above hook assembly H, with a pairof facing, angular ribs 64, as in FIGS. 9, 11 and 12, for attachment ofpopup device D, as in FIG. 9, it being noted that popup device D isomitted in FIG. 12 for clarity of illustration.

Referring to FIGS. 14-16, the popup device D includes a housing 65provided with longitudinally extending side flanges 66, tapering asshown in FIG. 15 so that the popup device may be wedged between theangular ribs 64, as in FIG. 9. Housing 65 is provided with a generallyrectangular recess 67, with rounded comers, which is open on the sidefacing the front wall 53 of the top shell and is thus closed by theshell. The device also includes a pin 68, adapted to engage block 44 ofthe bottom shell and provided with a stem 69 extending within recess 67,with a guide flange 70 between the pin and the stem. Guide flange 70 ispreferably generally rectangular in shape with rounded corners, thuscorresponding generally to the shape of recess 67, but slightly smallerin size for clearance. A coil spring 71 surrounds stem 69, within recess67, and urges pin 68 outwardly from housing 65, the housing having anend flange 72 restraining outward movement of pin 68 beyond that shownin FIG. 16. Housing 65 is also provided with an extension 73 at theopposite end, having a recess 74 of reduced size, also open at one sideand through which stem 69 extends to guide the stem during movement, aswell as forming an abutment for the corresponding end of spring 71.Except for spring 71, the parts of device D are conveniently formed of asuitable plastic. As indicated previously, the purpose of device D is topop open the top of the tackle box, when the hook assembly H is releasedfrom the latch L. As will be evident, when the top of the tackle isclosed, pin 68 will then engage block 44 of the bottom shell, tocompress spring 71, so that, when the latch is released, the pressureexerted by spring 71 through pin 68 and against block 44 will move thetop T to an open position, perhaps not to the generally upright positionof FIG. 2, but sufficiently open that the top T can be moved to theupright position of FIG. 2, with one hand. As described later, the latchL may also be released with the use of one hand, so that the fishermanneed not use two hands to open the tackle box, but can still retain afly rod or casting rod in one hand, thus being able to select adifferent fly or lure and attach the same to the fishing line, withouthaving to release the rod. It will be noted that the pressure of spring71 will increase as the top of the tackle box is closed, but with theuse of two notches 62 and 73 on each hook 61, as shown in FIGS. 12 and13, the top of the tackle box will be latched, when the lower notch 62engages the latch L in a manner described below, thus effectivelyattaching the top to the bottom of the tackle box and permitting thetackle box to be lifted and carried about by the handle 10 withoutcomplete closure, and particularly without the possibility of the tacklebox opening and spilling out its contents.

Referring now to FIGS. 17-23, each lateral partition or divider 75, asin FIGS. 17 and 18, conforms generally in shape to the lateral crosssection of the trays, thus having an inclined front, as shown, andincludes a web 76 having a reinforcing flange 77 extending around thefront, bottom and rear edges thereof; and a reinforcing flange 78extending along the top of the web but having alternate serrations 79 onopposite sides, as in FIG. 18, for the purpose of attaching the shorter,longitudinal dividers or partitions 80 between a pair of lateralpartitions, as in FIG. 3. At each end, the partition 75 is provided witha hook-shaped flange 81, preferably wider than the reinforcing flanges77 and 78, but having, at the center, an upright V-shaped projection 82,for engagement with one of the notches 83 formed on the outside of thefront and rear reinforcing flanges 32 of the tray, as in FIGS. 19 and20. As in FIG. 21, a lateral partition 75 may be inserted within a tray,with the projection 82 engaging a notch 83 in each of the front and rearupper flanges of the tray, with the projections thus locking the upperends of the partition to the trayto prevent longitudinal displacementand the lateral extent of the hookshaped flange 81 providing lateralstability. Thus, whenever a lateral partition is inserted in the tray,it will remain in that position. If desired, any of the trays may bedivided into a series of laterally spaced compartments by using only thelateral partitions 75. However, there are numerous instances in whichsmaller articles are to be stored and, for convenience, should be placedin separate compartments. Thus, to provide smaller compartments, aseries of longitudinal partitions 80, as in FIG.

3, may be inserted at spaced positions between two lateral partitions75. Each longitudinal partition 80 may be constructed as illustrated inFIG. 22, thus being similar to the lateral partitions in having ahook-shaped flange 81' at each upper end, each again provided with aV-shaped projection 82 for engagement with a serration 79 of the lateralpartition to which connected, as in FIG. 23. The longitudinal partitions80 may have any desired length, although being conveniently shorter thanthe lateral partitions, and preferably two different lengths oflongitudinal partitions are provided, to enable lateral partitions to beplaced at two difi'erent distances apart and compartments of differentsizes provided by the longitudinal partitions. Also, the lateralpartitions do not require an inclined front edge but may be generallyrectangular in shape and include a web 76', a reinforcing flange 77'extending around the bottom and ends of the web and a reinforcing flange78 extending along the top of the web. Preferably, the top reinforcingflange 78' is provided with alternating serrations on opposite sidescorresponding to serrations 79 of the lateral partitions, as shown inFIG. 18, so that one or more shorter longitudinal partitions may beplaced laterally between a pair of Iongitudinal partitions. The tops offlange 32 of each tray and flanges 78 and 78' of the partitions arerounded transversely, so that hooks 81 and 81 will more readily snapover the same and will also fit more snugly, as in FIGS. 21 and 23. Aswill be evident, the lateral and longitudinal partitions describedpermit considerable variation in the size and arrangement of thecompartments in the trays, but the use of the hook-shaped flanges andnotches or serrations in the edges to which the hook-shaped flanges areattached provide a fixed relation and stability to the desired partitionarrangement.

Referring now to FIGS. 24-27, the latch L includes a base or cover 85having, as in FIG. 25, a pair of inwardly extending bosses 86 whichreceive a pair of screws which extend from the inside through theupstanding flange 42 of the bottom shell B, at the position of thereinforcing bosses 45 of FIG. 6. Bosses 86 may be internally threaded orself-tapping screws may be used. Cover 85 is adapted to receive a pairof slides 87 which extend outwardly at each end from the cover 85, andare each provided with an enlarged head 88 having a concave, fluted endsurface 89, so that both slides may be pushed inwardly simultaneously bya thumb and forefinger of one hand, against the pressure of a centralcoil spring 90, to release the latch. Each slide, as in FIGS. 26 and 27,is provided with a generally central, longitudinally elongated hole 91which engages the corresponding boss 86 and also with an inner block 92having an outwardly projecting detent 93 at its upper end, shaped toengage a notch 62 or 63 of the hook 61, as in FIG. 24. As in FIG. 24,when the top is moved toward the bottom of the tackle box sufficientlyto move the detent pin 68, the position of which is indicated by dottedlines in FIG. 24, a short distance, the lower notches 62 of hook 61 willengage the detent 93 of each slide, the slides being moved inwardlythrough engagement of a bevel 94 at the lower inside corner of each hook61, with a corresponding bevel 95 on the corresponding detent 93. Thus,the top section '1 will be attached to the bottom section B, even thoughnot completely closed, so that if the user accidentally usesinsufficient force to completely closethe tackle box, he can still liftit by the handle and carry it about, without the tackle box falling openand the contents thereof being spilled out. The tackle box is normallycompletely closed through sufficient pressure on the top thereof, tocause the slides again to be moved inwardly by engagement of a bevel 96at the upper edge of each notch 62, with bevel 95 on detent 93, so as tocause notch 63 to engage detent 93 in a manner similar to that shown inFIG. 24, with respect to notch 62. Each slide fits between the outsideof cover 85 and the upstanding flange 42, as well as between other partsof the latch, as described below, and is provided with a lateral notch97, to accommodate the corresponding hook 61, as well as an inwardlyextending pin 98 for receiving and guiding spring 90. Each slide alsohas a bottom guide flange 99, which extends inwardly from the lower endof block 92. Spring is guided not only by pins 98, but also is containedbetween a pair of ribs 100 outstanding in spaced relation from thecentral portion of cover 85, as well as the central portion of cover 85and an inner plate 104, which also serves as a lateral guide for theslides 87. Inner plate 104 is also adapted to hold the parts of thelatch in assembled position, prior to attachment of the latch to thetackle box, with its lower edge resting in a notch 105 in a centrallower flange 106 of cover 85 and the ends of its upper edge resting inthe ends of a notch 107 in a central upper flange 108. Flanges 106 and108 also guide the slides 87 during inward and outward movement. At itslower edge, plate 104 is attached to base or cover 85 by peening over apair of cars 109 of an inwardly extending rib 110, against the flanges111 of a notch 112 in plate 104, while the upper edge of plate 104 maybe secured to cover 85 by peening air of ears 113 of rib 114,outstanding inwardly from the cover 85, into an offset well 115 of theplate having a pair of notches 116 to receive the ears 113. The base orcover 85 is completed by a pair of upper end flanges 118 and a pair oflower end flanges 119, which also perform a guiding function for theslides. It will be noted that the bottom flanges 99 of the slides,particularly when moving inwardly, will be guided between the central,lower flange 106 and the lower rib 100, while each notch 120 between thecentral top flange 108 and the upper end flanges 118 accommodatesmovement of the respective hook 61 into and out of the latch.

As in FIGS. 28 and 31-33, the handle 10, which is molded of a suitablematerial, such as polyvinyl chloride, has a flat top and transverselycurved sides 123, as well as transversely curved bottom 124, tofacilitate the user picking up the handle to lift the tackle box. Aspring steel strip is embedded in the handle, as in FIG. 33, so as toextend longitudinally thereof, with each end of the strip extendinglongitudinally from the handle for an appropriate distance. Adjacenteach end, the strip is provided with a slot 126 which has a longitudinalportion and a transverse portion, as shown, for a purpose describedbelow. At each end of the handle, a bevel 127 extends upwardly to aposition just below strip 125 and a flat 128 above strip 125 and justbelow strip 125, as in FIG. 29, with the flat 128 rounding into the top,as shown. Each end of strip 125 extends through a slot 130 in the endwall of well 11, below the underside of the upper shell top, with arecess 131 above the slot, within well 11, and a recess 132 below theslot, inside the upper shell, with the faces of the recesses insubstantial alignment. These recesses permit spring 125 to bend or flexmore readily as it moves inwardly and outwardly without any appreciabledrag, particularly when the handle has been pulled up and then released,so that the spring will flatten and pull the handle down with it.

A clip 134 is attached to each end of spring 125, at hole 126, toprevent the spring from being pulled through the slots 130 whenthehandle is pulled up. As in FIGS. 29 and 30, clip 134 is provided withan upwardly extending end flange 135 which moves along the underside oftop 12 to engage the underside of the top above slot 130 when the handleis pulled up. Clip 134 has depending side flanges 136, which movebetween depending flanges 57 to guide the end of the spring duringmovement, while a depending flange 137, having lower lateral wings 138,is conveniently struck from the clip, producing a hole 139 of FIG. 29.The depending flange 137 of each clip engages a slot 126 in spring strip125 to attach a clip to each end of the spring. For assembly purposes,the ends of spring 125 are guided into slots 130 and, when the handle isflat, the ends of spring 125 are bent downwardly, in turn, on the insideof the upper shell. Depending flange 137 of one clip is insertedlongitudinally into slot 126, then turned to a transverse position sothat flange 137 above wings 138 will extend through the lateral portionof slot 126 and wings 138 will be below strip 125, as in FIG. 30. Theopposite clip 134 is attached to the opposite end of strip 125 in asimilar manner.

During use, when the handle is pulled up, strip 125 will tend to bowdownwardly inside the case, with the underside of strip 125 eventuallyengaging wings 138. However, when the handie is in well 11, spring strip125 will hold clip 134 up against the underside of top 12 of the uppershell, as in FIG. 29. It will be understood, of course, that coil springor the like may be attached to the ends of strip 125, which then needonly be sufficiently flexible to move inwardly and outwardly in slot130, but need not have sufficient strength, as a spring, to maintain thehandle in the well. Also during use, the extension of flat 128 belowstrip 125 will be urged into engagement with the edge of slot 130, as inFIG. 29, to provide a seal to prevent rain water or the like, collectingin well 11, to seep through slot 130 into the interior of the tacklebox. By virtue of the recesses 131 and 132, the clearance between strip125 and slot 130 may be minimal, so that a minimum of space is providedfor water to seep through the slot and an additional seal is, in effect,provided. The end 128 of the handle, above strip 125, may be extended soas to engage the face of recess 131 when the handle is in well 11, as inFIG. 28, again for sealing purposes.

From the foregoing, it will be evident that a container constructed inaccordance with this invention fulfills to a marked degree therequirements and objects hereinbefore set forth. Thus, the linkageassembly permits the top to be opened to an upright position withoutchanging the stacked condition of the trays, thereby simplifying accessto the top tray alone. Also, the resilient popup device causes the topof the box to pop open, when the latch is released, while the latchitself may be released by one hand, thereby requiring the use of onehand only to obtain access to the top tray. This latch is completelyflush, allowing little chance for it to snag onto nearby objects in useor in storage. Also, the top of the box can be moved to a rear positionby the use of one hand, and the linkage arrangement automatically movesthe trays to an elevated, separated position, thereby permitting accessto each of the trays and also to the material in the bottom of the box.The hook assembly H or latch engaging means includes a pair of multipleengagement members which will engage the latch and attach the top andbottom of the box together, without requiring that the box be completelyclosed, thus permitting effective closure of the box for carryingpurposes, without overcoming the full pressure of the popup spring. Theabutment engaged by the popup device is formed integrally with thebottom shell, adjacent the upper edge thereof, thereby producing littleor no interference with the placement in or removal of objects from thebottom of the box. The preferred position of the popup device, betweenthe hooks of the latch engaging means and centrally of the front of thebox, produces an opening force at a desirable position; i.e. at thelatch itself, and also does not tend to produce any twisting movement ofthe top, on opening. The reinforcing flanges at or adjacent to theopposing edges of the top and bottom shells maintain these edges in aplanar and rectangular condition, so that mating of the top and bottom,on closing, tends to be secured. The upstanding flange of the lowershell not only provides an upper edge, for entrance into a groove in thelower edge of the upper shell, for sealing and alignment purposes, butalso provides a convenient position for attachment of the latch. Thelatch preferably utilized may be opened with one hand, thus facilitatingthe use of the container as a tackle box, and also automatically engagesthe latch engaging means, as the top is closed. The partitions for thetrays permit a multiplicity of arrangement of compartments in the traysand are readily snapped into position in the trays, but are maintainedin position through the end hooks which extend laterally to each side ofthe remainder of the partition, and also the inside projections of thehooks which cooperate with notches or serrations in the flanges at theupper edges of the trays, or in the flanges at the upper edges of otherpartitions. The pair of hooks in each connecting link and the pair ofslots in the actuating link cooperating therewith, including alongitudinal slot and a generally longitudinal, offset slot having aperpendicular portion at one end and a curved portion at the oppositeend, produce a minimum resistance to opening of the top to an uprightposition, but assure an effective movement of the trays both to openedposition and to closed or stacked position. The handle is normallydisposed in the well and does not interfere with stacking or storage,while the recesses, inside the well and above the slot and also insidethe shell but below the slot, permit the strip extending from each endof the handle to bow and move relatively freely through the slot, aswell as permitting a minimum of clearance between each slot and thestrip. The ends of the handle, in retracted position, engage the end ofthe well for sealing purposes, either below the slot or both above andbelow the slot.

Although a preferred embodiment of this invention has been illustratedand described, it will be understood that other embodiments may existand that variations may be made therein, all without departing from thespirit and scope of this invention.

We claim:

1. A container for fishing tackle and the like, comprising:

a bottom section;

a top section hinged to said bottom section;

latch means for releasably connecting said sections in closed position;

a plurality of trays normally disposed in stacked position abovematerial in said bottom section, said trays being enclosed by said topsection with the latter in closed position;

linkage means connecting said trays for shifting said trays to anelevated and separated position, said linkage means being actuable byopening movement of said top section and constructed and arranged topermit said top section to be moved to a first position to permit accessto the uppermost of said trays and to be moved to a second posi-' tionto move said trays to said elevated and separated position;

popup means for urging said top section away from said bottom sectionupon release of said latch means, said popup means resisting a closingmovement of said top section; and

said latch means including a latch mounted on one of said sections andlatch engaging means including a multiple latch engagement member forattaching said top section to said bottom section in nearly closed, aswell as closed, position.

2. A container as defined in claim 1, wherein said popup means includes:I

a spring urged pin mounted on the inside of the front of one section;and

an abutment for said pin extending inwardly on the inside of the frontof the opposite section.

3. A container as defined in claim 2, in which:

said pin abutment comprises an inwardly extending block integral with alower shell of said bottom section.

4. A container as defined in claim 3, in which:

said pin extends from a housing enclosing said spring and is providedwith a stem surrounded by said spring in said housing, said housinghaving lateral flanges; and

said lateral flanges of said popup means housing engage spaced, angularribs on the inside of an upper shell of said top section.

5. A container for fishing tackle and the like, comprising:

a bottom section;

a top section hinged to said bottom section;

latch means for releasably connecting said sections in closed position;

a plurality of trays normally disposed in stacked position abovematerial in said bottom section, said trays being enclosed by said topsection with the latter in closed position;

linkage means connecting said trays for shifting said trays to anelevated and separated position, said linkage means being actuable byopening movement of said top section and constructed and arranged topermit said top section to be moved to a first position to permit accessto the up permost of said trays and to be moved to a second position tomove said trays to said elevated and separated position; and

popup means for urging said top section away from said bottom sectionupon release of said latch means, said popup means being disposedbetween latch engaging hooks extending from the same section toward theopposite section.

6. A container for fishing tackle and the like, comprising:

. a bottom section;

a top section hinged to said bottom section;

latch means for releasably connecting said sections in closed position;

a plurality of trays normally disposed in stacked position abovematerial in said bottom section, said trays being enclosed by said topsection with the latter in closed position;

a series of parallel links at each side of said trays interconnectingsaid trays, one of said links pivotally connecting said bottom sectionwith at least one of said trays and provided with a spaced pair of pins;

an actuating link pivotally connected to said top and connected to saidconnecting link by a pin and slot connection, said actuating link havinga longitudinal slot and an offset slot engaging the respective pins,said offset slot having a generally perpendicular portion at one end andan oppositely extending, curved portion at the opposite end; and

said links being actuable by opening movement of said top section andconstructed and arranged to permit said top section to be moved to afirst position to permit access to the uppermost of said trays and to bemoved to a second position to move said trays to an elevated andseparated position.

7. A container for fishing tackle and the like, comprising:

a bottom section;

a top section hinged to said bottom section;

latch means for releasably connecting said sections in closed position;

a plurality of trays normally disposed in stacked position abovematerial in said bottom section, said trays being enclosed by said topsection with the latter in closed position;

linkage means connecting said trays for shifting said trays to anelevated and separated position, said linkage means being actuable byopening movement of said top section;

lateral partitions for said trays, said trays having notches on theoutside of the front and rear upper edges thereof; and

said lateral partitions having an upper transverse hook at the front andrear, said hooks having a greater lateral extent than the remainder ofsaid partition and an upright projection on the inside, for engaging oneof said tray notches.

8. A container for fishing tackle and the like, comprising:

a bottom section;

a top section hinged to said bottom section;

a latch mounted on one of said sections and having a housopposed slidesprovided with an outwardly facing detent and ends extending from saidhousing;

spring means acting between said slides;

a pair of hooks, each provided with a plurality of notches for selectiveengagement with said slide detents, extending from the opposite casesection, said latch and hooks providing latch means for releasablyconnecting said sec tions in closed position;

a plurality of trays normally disposed in stacked position abovematerial in said bottom section, said trays being enclosed by said topsection with the latter-in closed position;

linkage means connecting said trays for shifting said trays to anelevated and separated position, said linkage means being actuable byopening movement of said top section; and

popup means for urging said top section away from said bottom sectionupon release of said latch means.

9. A container as defined in claim 5 wherein said latch engaging meansincludes:

a pair of hooks at each side of said popup means; and

a base connecting said hooks and embedded in a shell of said section.

10. A container as defined in claim 7 including:

a series of longitudinal partitions, each having a transverse hook ateach upper end, said hooks having a lateralextension greater than-theremainder of said partition and a generally upright projection on theinside, for engaging one of a series of notches formed in the upperedges of said lateral trays.

11. A container for fishing tackle and the like, comprising:

a bottom section;

a top section hinged to said bottom section;

' latch means for releasably connecting said sections in closedposition;

a plurality of trays normally disposed in stacked position abovematerial in said bottom section, said trays being enclosed by said topsection with the latter in closed position;

an actuating link, at each end, pivotally connected to said top section;

a connecting link, at each end, pivotally connected to said bottomsection and to at least one of said trays;

a series of links movable in parallel relation to said connecting link,including a link pivotally connected between said bottom section and atleast one of said trays and a link pivotally connected between at leasttwo of said trays;

one of said actuating link and said connecting link having pin meansextending laterally therefrom; and

the other of said actuating link and said connecting link having slotmeans engaging said pin means, whereby said top section may be moved toa generally upright position to uncover the uppermost tray withoutdisturbing the stacked relation of said trays, and then moved to a rearposition with said trays being moved by said links to a separated,elevated position, during movement of said top section from saidgenerally upright position to said rear position.

12. A container as defined in claim 11, wherein:

said pin means comprises a pair of pins in spaced relation outstandingfrom said connecting link; and

said slot means comprises a pair of generally longitudinal slots in saidactuating link, one of said slots having a generally perpendicularportion at one end and an oppositely disposed, curved portion at theopposite end.

13. In a container for fishing tackle and the like:

a tray which is open at the top and has a bottom, end walls a front walland a rear wall, and a reinforcing flange extending around the upperedge thereof, said reinforcing flange having a series of notches on theoutside, at least at the front and rear; and

a lateral partition for insertion in said tray to divide said tray intocompartments, said lateral partition having an upper hook at the frontand rear ends, each said hook having a greater lateral extent than theremainder of said partition and means for engagement with a notch ofsaid tray.

14. In a container as defined in claim 13, including:

a longitudinal partition having an upper hook at each end, said hookshaving a greater lateral extent than the remainder of said partition andprovided with notch engaging means on the inside; and

said lateral partitions being at least two in number and havingalternating serrations in the opposite sides of the upper edges thereof.

15. In a container as defined in claim 14, wherein:

the front wall of said tray and the front edge of each said lateralpartition are correspondingly inclined;

each said lateral and longitudinal partition is provided with a web anda reinforcing flange extending around the I edges of said web; and

said notch engaging means of each said hook of said lateral ing, uprightprojection.

16. ln a container for fishing tackle and the like having a bottomsection, a top section hinged to said bottom section and latch means forreleasably connecting said sections in closed position, the improvementcomprising:

a depending well in the top of said top section and a transverse slot ineach end of said well, each said slot extending to the inside of saidtop section;

a handle normally disposed in said well and movable upwardly to acarrying position, said handle having a strip extending from each endthereof and through the corresponding slot;

resilient means associated with said strip for moving said handle intosaid well when released from said carrying position; and

each end of said handle being constructed and arranged to abut the endof said well, at least below said slot, when said handle is disposed insaid well, to restrict the flow of liquid collecting in said well intothe interior of said container.

17. In a container as defined in claim 16, wherein:

each end of said well is provided with an upwardly extending surfaceabove the corresponding slot;

the inside of said top section is provided with a downwardly extendingsurface below each said slot; and

said surfaces at each slot are in general alignment to facilitatemovement of said strip into and out of said slots.

[8. ln a container as defined in claim 16, wherein:

said strip is a spring strip extending longitudinally through saidhandle and provides said resilient means;

a clip is attached to each end of said strip to prevent said strip endfrom being pulled through the corresponding slot; and

the underside of the top of said top section is provided with a pair ofparallel, depending ribs extending from each end of said well forguiding said clips during movement of said ends of said strip.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE 0F CORRECTION Patent No. 3 612635 Dated October 12 197].

Inventor(s) Tim M. Uyeda and Marvin M. King It is certified that errorappears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent arehereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line 16, -tray mustshould be inserted before "ordinari-; line56, "wall" should read -well--. Column 3, line 48, "139 141 l4, 147 155152 15" should read --a pin 14, to a boss 15''; line 52, "E" should readF-; line 54, after "positions", "lower" should be cancelled; line 54,before "tray", lowershould be inserted.

Signed and sealed this 25th day of April 1972.

(SEAL) A ttest:

EDWARD M.FLI*JTCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissionerof Patents RM PC4050 ($59) uscoMM-oc scan-ps0 UISI GOVERNMENT PRINTINGOFFiCEi l9, U 3Gl3l

1. A container for fishing tackle and the like, comprising: a bottomsection; a top section hinged to said bottom section; latch means forreleasably connecting said sections in closed position; a plurality oftrays normally disposed in stacked position above material in saidbottom section, said trays being enclosed by said top section with thelatter in closed position; linkage means connecting said trays forshifting said trays to an elevated and separated position, said linkagemeans being actuable by opening movement of said top section andconstructed and arranged to permit said top section to be moved to afirst position to permit access to the uppermost of said trays and to bemoved to a second position to move said trays to said elevated andseparated position; popup means for urging said top section away fromsaid bottom section upon release of said Latch means, said popup meansresisting a closing movement of said top section; and said latch meansincluding a latch mounted on one of said sections and latch engagingmeans including a multiple latch engagement member for attaching saidtop section to said bottom section in nearly closed, as well as closed,position.
 2. A container as defined in claim 1, wherein said popup meansincludes: a spring urged pin mounted on the inside of the front of onesection; and an abutment for said pin extending inwardly on the insideof the front of the opposite section.
 3. A container as defined in claim2, in which: said pin abutment comprises an inwardly extending blockintegral with a lower shell of said bottom section.
 4. A container asdefined in claim 3, in which: said pin extends from a housing enclosingsaid spring and is provided with a stem surrounded by said spring insaid housing, said housing having lateral flanges; and said lateralflanges of said popup means housing engage spaced, angular ribs on theinside of an upper shell of said top section.
 5. A container for fishingtackle and the like, comprising: a bottom section; a top section hingedto said bottom section; latch means for releasably connecting saidsections in closed position; a plurality of trays normally disposed instacked position above material in said bottom section, said trays beingenclosed by said top section with the latter in closed position; linkagemeans connecting said trays for shifting said trays to an elevated andseparated position, said linkage means being actuable by openingmovement of said top section and constructed and arranged to permit saidtop section to be moved to a first position to permit access to theuppermost of said trays and to be moved to a second position to movesaid trays to said elevated and separated position; and popup means forurging said top section away from said bottom section upon release ofsaid latch means, said popup means being disposed between latch engaginghooks extending from the same section toward the opposite section.
 6. Acontainer for fishing tackle and the like, comprising: a bottom section;a top section hinged to said bottom section; latch means for releasablyconnecting said sections in closed position; a plurality of traysnormally disposed in stacked position above material in said bottomsection, said trays being enclosed by said top section with the latterin closed position; a series of parallel links at each side of saidtrays interconnecting said trays, one of said links pivotally connectingsaid bottom section with at least one of said trays and provided with aspaced pair of pins; an actuating link pivotally connected to said topand connected to said connecting link by a pin and slot connection, saidactuating link having a longitudinal slot and an offset slot engagingthe respective pins, said offset slot having a generally perpendicularportion at one end and an oppositely extending, curved portion at theopposite end; and said links being actuable by opening movement of saidtop section and constructed and arranged to permit said top section tobe moved to a first position to permit access to the uppermost of saidtrays and to be moved to a second position to move said trays to anelevated and separated position.
 7. A container for fishing tackle andthe like, comprising: a bottom section; a top section hinged to saidbottom section; latch means for releasably connecting said sections inclosed position; a plurality of trays normally disposed in stackedposition above material in said bottom section, said trays beingenclosed by said top section with the latter in closed position; linkagemeans connecting said trays for shifting said trays to an elevated andseparated position, said linkage means being actuable by openingmovement of said top section; lateral partitions for said tRays, saidtrays having notches on the outside of the front and rear upper edgesthereof; and said lateral partitions having an upper transverse hook atthe front and rear, said hooks having a greater lateral extent than theremainder of said partition and an upright projection on the inside, forengaging one of said tray notches.
 8. A container for fishing tackle andthe like, comprising: a bottom section; a top section hinged to saidbottom section; a latch mounted on one of said sections and having ahousing; opposed slides provided with an outwardly facing detent andends extending from said housing; spring means acting between saidslides; a pair of hooks, each provided with a plurality of notches forselective engagement with said slide detents, extending from theopposite case section, said latch and hooks providing latch means forreleasably connecting said sections in closed position; a plurality oftrays normally disposed in stacked position above material in saidbottom section, said trays being enclosed by said top section with thelatter in closed position; linkage means connecting said trays forshifting said trays to an elevated and separated position, said linkagemeans being actuable by opening movement of said top section; and popupmeans for urging said top section away from said bottom section uponrelease of said latch means.
 9. A container as defined in claim 5wherein said latch engaging means includes: a pair of hooks at each sideof said popup means; and a base connecting said hooks and embedded in ashell of said section.
 10. A container as defined in claim 7 including:a series of longitudinal partitions, each having a transverse hook ateach upper end, said hooks having a lateral extension greater than theremainder of said partition and a generally upright projection on theinside, for engaging one of a series of notches formed in the upperedges of said lateral trays.
 11. A container for fishing tackle and thelike, comprising: a bottom section; a top section hinged to said bottomsection; latch means for releasably connecting said sections in closedposition; a plurality of trays normally disposed in stacked positionabove material in said bottom section, said trays being enclosed by saidtop section with the latter in closed position; an actuating link, ateach end, pivotally connected to said top section; a connecting link, ateach end, pivotally connected to said bottom section and to at least oneof said trays; a series of links movable in parallel relation to saidconnecting link, including a link pivotally connected between saidbottom section and at least one of said trays and a link pivotallyconnected between at least two of said trays; one of said actuating linkand said connecting link having pin means extending laterally therefrom;and the other of said actuating link and said connecting link havingslot means engaging said pin means, whereby said top section may bemoved to a generally upright position to uncover the uppermost traywithout disturbing the stacked relation of said trays, and then moved toa rear position with said trays being moved by said links to aseparated, elevated position, during movement of said top section fromsaid generally upright position to said rear position.
 12. A containeras defined in claim 11, wherein: said pin means comprises a pair of pinsin spaced relation outstanding from said connecting link; and said slotmeans comprises a pair of generally longitudinal slots in said actuatinglink, one of said slots having a generally perpendicular portion at oneend and an oppositely disposed, curved portion at the opposite end. 13.In a container for fishing tackle and the like: a tray which is open atthe top and has a bottom, end walls a front wall and a rear wall, and areinforcing flange extending around the upper edge thereof, saidreinforcing flange having a series of notches on the outside, at leastat the front and rear; and a lateral partition for insertion in saidtray to divide said tray into compartments, said lateral partitionhaving an upper hook at the front and rear ends, each said hook having agreater lateral extent than the remainder of said partition and meansfor engagement with a notch of said tray.
 14. In a container as definedin claim 13, including: a longitudinal partition having an upper hook ateach end, said hooks having a greater lateral extent than the remainderof said partition and provided with notch engaging means on the inside;and said lateral partitions being at least two in number and havingalternating serrations in the opposite sides of the upper edges thereof.15. In a container as defined in claim 14, wherein: the front wall ofsaid tray and the front edge of each said lateral partition arecorrespondingly inclined; each said lateral and longitudinal partitionis provided with a web and a reinforcing flange extending around theedges of said web; and said notch engaging means of each said hook ofsaid lateral and longitudinal partitions includes an inwardly extending,upright projection.
 16. In a container for fishing tackle and the likehaving a bottom section, a top section hinged to said bottom section andlatch means for releasably connecting said sections in closed position,the improvement comprising: a depending well in the top of said topsection and a transverse slot in each end of said well, each said slotextending to the inside of said top section; a handle normally disposedin said well and movable upwardly to a carrying position, said handlehaving a strip extending from each end thereof and through thecorresponding slot; resilient means associated with said strip formoving said handle into said well when released from said carryingposition; and each end of said handle being constructed and arranged toabut the end of said well, at least below said slot, when said handle isdisposed in said well, to restrict the flow of liquid collecting in saidwell into the interior of said container.
 17. In a container as definedin claim 16, wherein: each end of said well is provided with an upwardlyextending surface above the corresponding slot; the inside of said topsection is provided with a downwardly extending surface below each saidslot; and said surfaces at each slot are in general alignment tofacilitate movement of said strip into and out of said slots.
 18. In acontainer as defined in claim 16, wherein: said strip is a spring stripextending longitudinally through said handle and provides said resilientmeans; a clip is attached to each end of said strip to prevent saidstrip end from being pulled through the corresponding slot; and theunderside of the top of said top section is provided with a pair ofparallel, depending ribs extending from each end of said well forguiding said clips during movement of said ends of said strip.